New wall tent learnings

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

So first trip with the new tent and I learned a few things that might help someone else out.

First pic is the original build with my own tarp and porch.

This was great until the wind picked up and then it was a sail.

So revision b is the second pic.

So I did away with the one piece porch and ran the tarp over the front to keep the wind from getting under it. I also pitched the side tent tie downs much steeper than original so the tarp would run down keeping the wind out from under it better. Worked great no more issues. I plan to center it up better and have it tuck over the front and rear for next week.

 

The second big deal learned was the stove, we had a really bad night on night 3 with smoke really bad in the tent. What happened was I made a really nice spark arrestor but it clogged up and messed with the flow of the stove pipe causing the smoke to come out any other crack in the stove when it was burning new wood tossed in. I ditched the arrestor and it ran perfect after that. The stove I built has the baffle design so there's no real need for the arrestor any way, I was just trying to be sure nothing hurt the tent or tarp. Glad we had these items on this trip and are now ready for dads first elk tag at age 72, tent is super comfy and warm and dialed in for him to have a good time.

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

For now I'm just going to use my 12x12 pop up for a porch until I can build a separate porch that matches the tent. Or maybe buy one from Davis.

[300RUM]

Did you need a building permit to put that thing up? That's awesome dad is 72 and out on his first elk tag. As they say better late than never

[stanley]

Looks like a great set-up! I've used an Alaknak for years, and have been consdering a wall tent for my next one.

 

Question: Why use the tarp over the canvas?

 

Thanks!

S.

[Big or Bust]

I put the tarp up to allow snow to slide off much much easier reducing the snow load if you are not at camp...

[Edge]

I'm more eager to find out how the chains worked out on your truck.

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Ya the tarp is optional but it helps the tent last longer from az sun damage, another thing is it really helps hold heat in. I noticed a big difference the one night I had it off , it was still warm but not like it is with it on. Another nice thing is I pulled the tarp and laid the tent on it to fold in rathe than in the dirt. Keeps things neater.

[stanley]

Ya the tarp is optional but it helps the tent last longer from az sun damage, another thing is it really helps hold heat in. I noticed a big difference the one night I had it off , it was still warm but not like it is with it on. Another nice thing is I pulled the tarp and laid the tent on it to fold in rathe than in the dirt. Keeps things neater.

 

Yup, that all makes sense! I have not had a wall tent before, but have heard that one of the advantages of canvas over what I currently have (Alaknak synthetic....) is that the canvas breaths much better. That's why it surprise me to see the tarp. Your reasoning makes sense though.

 

Thx!

S.

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Ya true but the sides still breathe. Another note is with the stove it sucks the moisture right out of you so I kept water simmering all the time for humidity.

[Red Sparky]

I got the 12x14 from Davis Tents this year and ran it in September so don't need a stove yet. The one suggestion I can make is on your tarp when you tie it with rope use heavy duty bungee cords, what we call rubber snubbers, on one end of the rope. It will stretch and give in the wind and helps keep from ripping grommets out of your tarp. I can't see in the pictures if you did or not.

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Ya very good idea I did not have those, I have a box of bungies ready but left them home.